The central issue of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was the prohibition of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. This landmark legislation aimed to address the systemic inequalities faced by African Americans and other minority groups in the United States. By outlawing segregation in schools, employment, and public accommodations, the Act sought to dismantle the legal framework supporting racial discrimination. It established the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to monitor and enforce its provisions, signaling a commitment to civil rights. The Civil Rights Act is considered a cornerstone of the Civil Rights Movement, representing significant progress in the struggle for equality and justice.